I WRITE regarding the recent planning appeal hearing regarding an application for two gypsy sites, located on the outskirts of Heighington (Echo, Apr 2).

A decision will be made in about eight weeks time. Why does there have to be a decision?

Upon inquiring with the planning department at Darlington town hall, I was told a non-traveller putting in for the same planning permission would have no chance. The application would go straight in the bin. I asked if this was a case of so-called “positive discrimination” to which the planning officer replied that it wasn’t.

I disagree. This is blatant discrimination.

The message local and national government is putting out is: if you’re a traveller, buy some land and the normal planning laws don’t apply.

I would suggest any land owners thinking of selling some land off should be very careful who they sell it to. It might just lead to the same predicament Heighington now has.

Name and address supplied